Re: BRMS user new to use of tape libraries

I would not 'divide' the library by lpar. Instead I would add the BRMS
networking feature.
5770BR1 - 1 - 5101 - BRMS-Network Feature
Just load all the tapes in there and let the machines talk to each other.
We do this with 5 lpars sharing a library with 5 drives.

See the command STRBALBRM. It is used to balance media between lpars.
Normally not necessary when the machines are 'live' as the networking
feature will talk to each other and ask permission if the other machine
had previously used a tape but it's expired. However when both machines
are in restricted state prebalancing the tapes helps.

And, if one lpar wants to do a DUPMEDBRM they will then have access to
both drives.

The only 'dividing' we do is that library actually has 10 drives. Five
are for BRMS (numerous lpars) and five are for Tivoli Storage Manager
(TSM) running on AIX.


Rob Berendt